Heian Jingu, Kyoto

The Heian Jingu is an imperial Shinto shrine in Kyoto, Japan. One of the newest religious sites in Kyoto, it boasts the largest torii (sacred gate) in Japan and lovely gardens.

advertisement

History of Heian Jingu

Heian Jingu was built in 1895 to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of the establishment of Heian-kyo (the old name of Kyoto). The Shinto shrine honors two emperors: Kammu (737-806), who founded Kyoto in 794, and Komei (1831-66), the last emperor to live out his reign in Kyoto before the capital moved to Tokyo.

On the occasion of the deification of Emperor Komei in 1940, additional buildings were added, including the Main Sanctuary, Shinto ritual hall, Inner Sanctuary, Flank Hall, Tablet Hall, Outer and Inner Platforms, Saikan and Administration Building.

What to See at Heian Jingu

Outside the shrine and arching over a busy road is the torii (shrine gate) of Heian Jingu, the largest in Japan. Built in 1929, it is 24.2 meters high; the top rail is 33.9 meters long.

The orange, green, and white buildings of Heian Jingu are intended to be replicas of the old Kyoto Imperial Palace (destroyed in 1227), at two-thirds the original size. The main buildings are the dignified East Hon-den and West Hon-den (the Main Halls), and the Daigoku-den (Great Hall of State), in which the Heian emperor would issue decrees.

There are three stroll gardens at Heian Jingu, positioned east, west, and north of the shrine itself. They follow the Heian aesthetic of focusing on a large pond, which is a rare feature at a Shinto shrine. The stepping-stone path that crosses the water is made from the pillars of a 16th-century bridge that spanned the Kamo-gawa before an earthquake destroyed it.

Shinen Garden, which is entered on the left as you face the main hall, should especially not be missed. Typical of gardens constructed during the Meiji Era, it's famous for its weeping cherry trees in spring, its irises and water lilies in summer, and its changing maple leaves in the fall.

Festivals and Events

Heian Jingu is the destination of the Jidai Matsuri, one of the three most important festivals of Kyoto. Held on October 22, it celebrates the founding of Kyoto and includes a huge, colorful procession. A parade of 2,000 people attired in costumes from every period of Kyoto history winds its way from the original site of the Imperial Palace to the Heian Jingu, carrying the mikoshi (portable shrines) of Emperors Kammu and Komei.

During New Year's, kimono-clad and gray-suited Japanese come to pay homage to the kami of the emperors, trampling over the imposing gravel forecourt leading to Daigoku-den.

June 1-2 of each year sees the Takigi No performances, so named because they're held outside at night, lighted by takigi (burning firewood). Performances take place on a stage built in front of the the Daigoku-den building.

Quick Facts on Heian Jingu

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of Heian Jingu, Kyoto

Below is a location map and aerial view of Heian Jingu. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.